Full-blown strike on pause as Metro Vancouver workers see 'significant movement' on negotiations

Metro Vancouver outside workers said Tuesday they would not launch a full-scale strike after what their union described as "significant movement" in talks with the regional district.

Full-blown strike on pause as Metro Vancouver workers see 'significant movement' on negotiations Union had threatened full-scale strike action Monday, citing little progress in mediated talks Metro Vancouver outside workers said Tuesday they would not launch a full-scale strike after what their union described as "significant movement" in talks with the regional district. A statement from the Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees' Union, representing about 750 workers, said its bargaining committee was reporting back to members" in seeking a mandate." Union president Jesse Medeiros said job action was temporarily on pause while negotiators looked to reach a tentative deal.

"Because we are still trying to reach a tentative agreement with Metro Vancouver that we can take back to our members, the full-scale strike is on hold with the hope that further progress can be made," Medeiros said in the statement. Metro Vancouver confirmed in an email that mediated talks had yielded progress over the past few days. The district also said it had contingency plans in place to make sure essential services would be delivered in case of future labour disruptions.

"We understand the union has informed its members that current job action will be paused while it presents Metro Vancouver's latest offer and seeks further direction from its membership," the district's statement said. "Metro Vancouver remains available and ready to continue discussions and work toward a negotiated agreement." The union had threatened full-scale strike action on Monday, saying little progress was being made in talks mediated by the B.C. Labour Relations Board.

Workers had set up pickets at regional parks, water treatment facilities and construction yards in an attempt to push for a resolution. The dispute had been stalled before mediation, with the union accusing Metro Vancouver of not scheduling to meet for talks without preconditions, a claim the regional district has denied. The two sides have been without a contract for 18 months.